If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef and Cheddar Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, and a medley of fresh vegetables all baked beneath a blanket of melty cheddar cheese. Each bite is packed with layers of flavor and texture that come together in the most satisfying way, making it a perfect dish for family dinners or cozy nights when you want something simple but incredibly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its straightforward yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role: the ground beef brings rich, savory depth, fresh veggies add sweetness and texture, and the creamy mushroom soup ensures moistness while cheddar cheese gives a gooey, golden finish.
- 1 lb ground beef: This forms the meaty base, packed with flavor and protein.
- 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced: They melt into tender layers that soak up all the juices.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth.
- 2 carrots, diced: Bring a touch of natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- 2 celery stalks, diced: Offers a gentle crunch and fresh undertones.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup: Adds creaminess and ties all the ingredients together.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into a luscious, golden topping that’s hard to resist.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances every flavor in the dish perfectly.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds a gentle kick to balance the richness.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Brings a warm, earthy aroma to the beef.
- 1/2 tsp paprika: Gives a subtle smoky note and inviting color.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional): Brightens things up with a fresh herbal touch at the end.
How to Make Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef and Cheddar Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Dish
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish is key, as it helps the casserole come out cleanly and keeps those crispy edges intact at the bottom.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef along with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until it’s nicely browned and fragrant. Take a moment to drain off the excess fat to keep the casserole from getting greasy. This step builds the savory foundation of the dish, so don’t rush it!
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Using the same skillet, toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté them until they soften just a bit—this brings out their natural sweetness and ensures they’ll cook perfectly inside the casserole without becoming mushy.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Now for the fun part: layering. Start with a layer of thinly sliced potatoes in the baking dish, then add some of the cooked ground beef and vegetables, followed by a spoonful of cream of mushroom soup. Repeat these layers until you run out of ingredients, finishing off with a final layer of potatoes on top. This layering technique creates that delicious contrast of flavors and textures in every bite.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Cover
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top layer of potatoes. Cover the entire dish with a foil tent to trap moisture while baking and to help melt everything together beautifully.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Place the casserole in the oven and bake covered for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes so the cheese turns golden and bubbly, and the potatoes develop a slight crispness on the edges.
Step 7: Rest and Garnish
Once it’s out of the oven, let your hobo casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This resting time helps it set, making serving easier and allowing flavors to meld. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and a burst of fresh herb flavor.
How to Serve Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef and Cheddar Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is an easy and cheerful garnish that complements the rich flavors and brightens the presentation. If you’re feeling adventurous, a dollop of sour cream or a few sliced green onions add creaminess and a hint of sharpness to each serving.
Side Dishes
This casserole is quite filling on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans adds a refreshing balance. For something heartier, serve alongside roasted vegetables or warm, crusty bread to soak up every bit of cheesy goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests or make weeknight dinners feel special? Serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a personal touch. You could also turn leftovers into delicious skillet hash the next day by sautéing chunks with a fried egg on top for breakfast or brunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your hobo casserole, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it easy to reheat a comforting meal in a flash.
Freezing
This Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef and Cheddar Recipe freezes beautifully. Prepare and assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Wrap tightly with plastic and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual.
Reheating
Warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, around 20 minutes, to keep that cheesy top delightfully melty. You can also microwave portions for a quick fix, though the oven does a better job maintaining texture.
FAQs
Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup for a homemade sauce?
Absolutely! A homemade béchamel or a simple creamy mushroom sauce would add an even fresher flavor and less sodium. Just ensure it’s thick enough to hold the casserole layers together.
What type of potatoes work best for this casserole?
Yukon Gold or red potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well and develop a creamy texture without falling apart. Russets can be used but may become softer and break down more.
Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Bell peppers, corn, or peas work wonderfully if you want to customize it. Just keep in mind the moisture content so your casserole doesn’t become watery.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s fantastic for meal prepping. Assemble the casserole ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake right before mealtime. It saves cooking time on busy days while delivering a homemade meal.
How can I make this casserole lower in calories?
Using lean ground beef or substituting with ground turkey reduces fat content. You can also use reduced-fat cheese and low-sodium soup alternatives to lighten it up without sacrificing flavor.
Final Thoughts
Making this Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef and Cheddar Recipe at home is like inviting comfort and warmth to your dinner table. It’s a simple, no-fuss dish that fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas and pleases even the pickiest eaters. I encourage you to give it a try and enjoy the cozy, cheesy layers that make this casserole a true favorite in any household.
Print
Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef and Cheddar Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Hobo Casserole Ground Beef is a comforting, hearty layered dish that combines ground beef, fresh vegetables, thinly sliced potatoes, and creamy mushroom soup. Baked to perfection with a topping of melted cheddar cheese, this casserole is perfect for a satisfying family dinner, offering layers of savory flavors and textures in every bite.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 lb ground beef
Vegetables
- 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
Other Ingredients
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Brown Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef seasoned with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Cook until no longer pink, then drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from being greasy.
- Sauté Vegetables: Using the same skillet, add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are slightly softened to enhance their flavor and texture in the casserole.
- Layer Ingredients: In the prepared baking dish, create layers by starting with a layer of thinly sliced potatoes, followed by the cooked ground beef, then the sautéed vegetables, and spoon over some cream of mushroom soup. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of potatoes on top.
- Add Cheese and Cover: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top layer of potatoes. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture while baking.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven. Bake covered for 45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the potatoes to cook through. Then remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to let it set and make it easier to serve. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired for a fresh color and flavor boost.
Notes
- Make sure to slice the potatoes thinly and evenly for consistent cooking.
- Drain the ground beef well to prevent excess grease in the casserole.
- If you prefer a creamier texture, you can mix some milk into the cream of mushroom soup before layering.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like green beans or bell peppers to customize this dish.
- For a crispier top, broil uncovered for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
